Burning of incense will release a variety of toxic chemicals. Most incense is made from a combination of fragrant gums, resins, woods and spices. Incense was found to be a significant source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), carbon monoxide, benzene, isoprene and particulate matters
Some studies have been done in Hong Kong. Tung et al. (1999) found that PM10 concentrations in Hong Kong homes were 23% higher with smoking or incense burning. Another study conducted in urban homes in Hong Kong concluded that PAH levels in kitchens and living rooms increased due to incense burning (Koo et al., 1992). These studies were mainly focusing on the field investigations. The contribution of the burning of incense to the indoor air quality was not conducted. The emission rates of air pollutants from the burning of incense were not well characterised. Furthermore, incense burning produces a variety of air pollutants. Previous studies concentrated either particulate aerosols or heavy metals or PAHs and VOCs, few were focused on all of these air pollutants. Therefore, the objectives of this project are to